The
Smart Dust project, created by researcher Kris Pister in the 1990s, reflects his previously only-imagined idea of a world of constant monitoring through the use of countless tiny sensors sprinkled upon the Earth.
A "
Smart Dust"-based road condition monitoring system: performance of a small wireless sensor network using surge time synchronization, in Proceedings of the IMACXXV Conference, Society for Experimental Mechanics (SEM), Feb.
If
smart dust nanosensors were available in the hunt for forensic evidence of a bioterrorist act, this
smart dust may actually deter terrorism through increased risk of capture and punishment.
Different
smart dust motes can be equipped with different sensors and the processed measurement results can be exchanged between the motes and fused in the field by the motes themselves.
The Oneida
Smart Dust Collector automatically adjusts to the required air volume and pressure needed at each woodworking tool, resulting in maximum dust collection at the source and less fugitive dust escaping to the shop air.
More than ten years of research in the field of
smart dust applications has been done.
Using wireless sensor networks only for monitoring applications is promising and useful, however in most cases the advantages of
smart dust do not outweigh the shortcomings when compared to established technologies.
Voice warning given; Toilet: "
Smart dust" sensors fitted to measure water usage; Auto pill dispenser: Beeps to remind resident to take medication; Entertainment system: Plays favourite music when pensioner enters room; Mobile phone: Can be used to monitor heart rate; Floor: Safety sensors to monitor movements, linked to medical staff or family in case of a fall; Mood sensor: Operates entertainment system and regulates lighting and temperature; Light: A console fitted in the sofa can adjust light and heating; Pensioner: Fitted with microchip so she can be remotely monitored; Cooker: Sensors to detect if pan is left unattended.
of Alberta, Canada) open with discussion of the challenges at this frontier of computer research where
smart dust and other technology will be enlisted to respond to, and even anticipate human needs and directives.
The miniaturization of sensors and data loggers, such as "envinodes" and "
smart dust", is another recent development that could lead to a revolution in earth science.
There are ongoing efforts, sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, dubbed "
Smart Dust" where, within 1 [m.sup.3], there will be energy storage and energy harvesting capabilities much like solar cells.
One is called "
smart dust," which Crossbow Technology licensed to create a tiny wireless sensoring device that can determine a building's energy efficiency, detect the earthquake response of a retrofitted building and monitor wild fires.